Mint Julep
The Mint Julep, while being a very simple drink, has many iterations depending on where in the South it is made. In Kentucky, for example, recipes often insist that the mint be plucked gently from the plant just as the evening dew is about to form on it. Specific tumblers are often made for the Julep, either entirely of silver or of glass with a silver lip. Regardless of the tumbler used, it is absolutely necessary to frost it thoroughly.
- 4-6 sprigs of mint
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons water (or, instead of powdered sugar and water you can use 2 teaspoons Simple Syrup - to make Simple Syrup take equal parts water and sugar, bring to a boil so that the sugar thoroughly dissolves, remove from heat. Simple Syrup can be made in batches and stored. If the syrup begins to sugar, simply reboil.)
- 2-1/2 ounces good Kentucky Bourbon
If making with Simple Syrup, pour liquid ingredients into the tumbler over ice, preferably shaved or crushed ice, mix. If using sugar, dissolve sugar with water, fill tumbler with shaved or crushed ice, add bourbon, mix. Add more ice, if necessary (the tumbler should be thoroughly frosted). Insert mint sprigs into the ice with a short straw, so that as you imbibe the scent of the mint will engulf you. In a true Southern Julep, the mint should be tasted through one's sense of smell. Sit back on the porch on a hot summer evening, with the condensation from your tumbler dripping as lightly onto you as the evening dew, and enjoy.